Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)

File:Britney Spears.jpg.]]

Timberlake and Scott Storch wrote "Cry Me a River" with Timbaland, who produced the song. Storch found working with Timberlake easy because of the song's meaning. Reporters believed its lyrics were inspired by Timberlake's failing relationship with singer Britney Spears after the two split in late 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458390/timberlake-readies-new-single.jhtml?headlines=true|title=Justin Tightlipped About Whether 'River' Flows From Britney|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=October 29, 2002|access-date=September 5, 2011|work=MTV News|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107224353/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458390/timberlake-readies-new-single.jhtml?headlines=true|url-status=dead}} At the time, Spears was rumored to have had an affair with her and Timberlake's mutual friend, choreographer and songwriter Wade Robson. More than 20 years later, Spears confirmed she “made out with [Robson]” on one occasion after learning that Timberlake had cheated on her.{{cite web | url=https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-cheated-justin-timberlake-wade-robson-book-memoir-2023-10 | title=Britney Spears admits she cheated on Justin Timberlake with choreographer Wade Robson: 'Justin and I moved past it' | website=Insider.com }}{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1388283/britney-spears-admits-to-cheating-on-justin-timberlake-with-wade-robson

|title=Britney Spears Admits to Cheating on Justin Timberlake with Wade Robson|work=E! Online|date=October 19, 2022|access-date=October 24, 2022|archive-date=October 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020012056/https://www.eonline.com/news/1388283/britney-spears-admits-to-cheating-on-justin-timberlake-with-wade-robson|url-status=live}} Timberlake told MTV News, "I'm not going to specifically say if any song is about anybody. I will say writing a couple of songs on the record helped me deal with a couple of things. To me songs are songs. They can stem from things that completely happened to you personally or they can stem from ideas that you think could happen to you." In December 2011, Timberlake said that he had written "Cry Me a River" after an argument over the phone: "I was on a phone call that was not the most enjoyable phone call. I walked into the studio and he [Timbaland] could tell I was visibly angry." Timbaland recalled, "I was like, 'Man, don't worry about it' and he was like, 'I can't believe she did that to me' and he was like, 'You were my sun, you were my earth.'"{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/22/justin-timberlake-britney-spears-cry-me-a-river_n_1164520.html|title=Justin Timberlake Reveals Britney Spears Inspiration Behind 'Cry Me A River'|work=The Huffington Post|date=December 22, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=August 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818151525/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/22/justin-timberlake-britney-spears-cry-me-a-river_n_1164520.html|url-status=live}}

"Cry Me a River" was recorded at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles by Senator Jimmy D, while Carlos "Storm" Martinez served as the assistant engineer. Jimmy Douglass and Timbaland mixed the song at Manhattan Center Studios in New York City. Timberlake arranged the vocals and was a backup singer alongside Timbaland, Marsha Ambrosius, Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. The ad lib "Cry me, cry meeee" at the end of the song was among Ambrosius's contributions.{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Gerrick |date=June 27, 2014 |title=Marsha Ambrosius breaks down her biggest hits |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-marsha-ambrosius-breaks-down-her-biggest-hits-20140627-story.html |access-date=June 27, 2014 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-us}} Storch compared Timberlake's vocals on "Cry Me a River" to R&B and rock singer Daryl Hall.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484705/why-can-justin-stand-up-sting.jhtml|title=Why Is Justin Timberlake The Only Youngster Who Can Stand Up To Sting?|last=Widerhorn|first=Joe|work=MTV News|date=February 4, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107224419/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484705/why-can-justin-stand-up-sting.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Larry Gold provided the string arrangement and conducting, while Storch and Bill Pettaway played the clavinet and guitar, respectively.

"Cry Me a River" was released as the second single from Justified. Jive Records serviced the song to contemporary and rhythmic radio in the United States on November 25, 2002.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/25/2002&Format=1 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: CHR/Top 40 |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio & Records |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606064545/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/24/2002&Format=1 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/25/2002&Format=9 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: Rhythmic |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio & Records |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606064622/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/24/2002&Format=9 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On December 23, three remixes were released as a 12-inch single in Canada and France.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Cry-Me-River-Remixes-Vinyl/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035184&sr=8-6|title=Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River: Remixes (Vinyl)|publisher=Amazon.com (CA)|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115144738/http://www.amazon.ca/Cry-Me-River-Remixes-Vinyl/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035184&sr=8-6|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.fr/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035503&sr=8-10|title=Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River: Remixes|publisher=Amazon.com (FR)|access-date=May 15, 2012|language=fr|archive-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130213082311/http://www.amazon.fr/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035503&sr=8-10|url-status=live}} On January 5, 2003, the song was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the US.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/05/2003&Format=5 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: Urban |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio & Records |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606065953/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/05/2003&Format=5 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }} It was released as a CD single in Germany on January 23. The single contains the album version of the song and the remixes on its 12-inch single release.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007JVB0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035436&sr=8-2|title=Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River (Single, Maxi)|publisher=Amazon.com (DE)|access-date=May 15, 2012|language=de|archive-date=February 10, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210083535/http://www.amazon.de/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007JVB0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035436&sr=8-2|url-status=live}} A CD single, which included Johnny Fiasco's remix of the song and two additional remixes of "Like I Love You", was released on February 3 and 6 in the United Kingdom and Canada, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cry-Me-River-CD-1/dp/B00007LZ2R/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337071831&sr=8-4|title=Justin – Timberlake Cry Me a River (CD 1)|publisher=Amazon.com (UK)|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419141506/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cry-Me-River-CD-1/dp/B00007LZ2R/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337071831&sr=8-4|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Cry-River-Pt-2-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007LZ2S/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035184&sr=8-11|title=Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River Pt.2|website=Amazon Canada|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115055623/http://www.amazon.ca/Cry-River-Pt-2-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007LZ2S/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035184&sr=8-11|url-status=live}} "Cry Me a River" was released as a CD single in the US on February 18. The single features the album version of the song, its instrumental and four remixes.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00008H2MM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1337035041&sr=8-7|title=Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River (Single)|publisher=Amazon.com (US)|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105154324/http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Me-River-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00008H2MM|url-status=live}}

Following its release, there was media speculation that Spears had written a song as a response to "Cry Me a River"; she denied the rumors, explaining, "You know, it's funny. I read that I wrote this song and I wrote these lyrics and that's not my style. I would never do that."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472181/britney-spears-previews-new-lp.jhtml|title=Britney Previews LP, Denies Rumors Of 'Cry Me A River' Response|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=September 5, 2011|work=MTV News|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107224359/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472181/britney-spears-previews-new-lp.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Annet Artani, who co-wrote Spears' 2003 song "Everytime", stated that the song was written as a response to "Cry Me a River".{{cite web|url=http://www.muumuse.com/2010/02/annet-artani-from-everytime-to-alive.html#more-5249|title=Annet Artani: From 'Everytime' to 'Alive'|access-date=April 23, 2010|last=Stern|first=Bradley|date=February 8, 2010|publisher=MuuMuse|archive-date=February 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211215937/http://www.muumuse.com/2010/02/annet-artani-from-everytime-to-alive.html#more-5249|url-status=live}} When asked during an interview with Diane Sawyer on PrimeTime in 2003, if "Everytime" was about Timberlake, Spears responded, "I'll let the song speak for itself."{{cite video |people=Diane Sawyer (host), Britney Spears |date=November 23, 2003 |title=PrimeTime |medium=Television production |publisher=ABC |location=United States}}

{{Listen|pos=left|filename=Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River.ogg|title="Cry Me a River"|description=A 27-second sample of "Cry Me a River", which uses clavinet, beatbox, guitars, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants in its composition.|format=Ogg|}}

"Cry Me a River" is a pop{{cite web|last= Rolling Stone Staff |title= 100 Best Songs of the 2000s |website= Rolling Stone |date= June 17, 2011 |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-songs-of-the-2000s-153056/|quote= But the real story was the formation of the Timberlake-Timbaland team: a match made in pop heaven.|accessdate= November 4, 2022}}{{cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=February 15, 2023 |title=The Number Ones: Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" (feat. Timbaland)|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2213390/the-number-ones-justin-timberlakes-sexyback/columns/the-number-ones/|accessdate=February 15, 2023 |website=Stereogum}} and R&B song{{cite news|title=No more Mickey Mouse games Justin Timberlake sheds a band and Christina Aguilera sheds inhibitions on joint tour|work=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Jae-Ha|last=Kim|date=July 24, 2003}} with instrumentation that features clavinet, guitars, beatboxing,{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/justin-timberlake-justified/222|title=Justin Timberlake – Justified|work=Slant Magazine|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=November 8, 2002|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408174409/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/justin-timberlake-justified/222|url-status=live}} synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants. The instruments are arranged into what critics described as a graceful and mysterious melody.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews//6813|title=Justin Timberlake : Justified|work=NME|last=Needham|first=Alex|date=November 1, 2002|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=May 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506152133/http://www.nme.com/reviews/6813|url-status=live}} Jane Stevenson of Jam! said the single combines gospel and opera.{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/T/Timberlake_Justin/AlbumReviews/2002/11/14/772032.html|title=Music – Artists – Album Review: Justified|publisher=Jam!|last=Stevenson|first=Jane|access-date=May 17, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710134502/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/T/Timberlake_Justin/AlbumReviews/2002/11/14/772032.html|archive-date=July 10, 2012}} Tyler Martin of Stylus Magazine enjoyed the way that the song unconventionally mixed a range of experimental sounds. According to Martin, the wave synth affects the real strings to create an unusual dissonance.{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/justin-timberlake/justified.htm |title=Justin Timberlake – Justified |work=Stylus Magazine |date=September 1, 2003 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510082227/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/justin-timberlake/justified.htm |archive-date=May 10, 2012 }} The song's chorus devolves into a choral reading in which Timberlake pleads over the group. "Cry Me a River" finishes with a Timbaland vocal sample heard during the chorus.

"Cry Me a River" is written in the key of G-sharp minor, in alla breve, with a tempo of 74 beats per minute.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0043859&|title=Justin Timberlake Cry Me a River – Digital Sheet Music|work=Musicnotes.com|date=February 25, 2003|publisher=Alfred Music|access-date=October 28, 2012|archive-date=January 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118215010/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0043859|url-status=live}} Timberlake's vocal range spans from the low note of C♯ (musical note) to the high note of B₄. Billboard magazine critics called "Cry Me a River" a bittersweet song, in which the singer's "familiar tenor belting" is tempered with a soulful falsetto and a "convincingly aggressive rock-spiked baritone" rasp.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=Timberlake In Sync With '60s Sounds On His Solo Debut|magazine=Billboard|page=73|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=PA73|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010404/https://books.google.com/books?id=JQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA73&q=justin%2Btimberlake%2Bcry%2Bme%2Ba%2Briver|url-status=live}} David Browne of Entertainment Weekly labeled the song "a haunted, pained farewell".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|title=Justin Timberlake – Justified (2002)|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Browne|first=David|date=October 28, 2002|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619210945/http://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|url-status=live}}

Lyrically, the song is about a heartbroken man who moves on from his past.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vdmq|title=Justin Timberlake: Justified – Review|work=BBC Music|last=Boyd|first=Denise|date=November 20, 2002|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114115442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vdmq|url-status=live}} A Rolling Stone reviewer called the song a "breakup aria".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |title=500 Greatest Songs of All the Time: Justin Timberlake, 'Cry Me a River' |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411013122/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |archive-date=April 11, 2012 |url-status=unfit }} According to Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian, "Cry Me a River" stands out for its "slow-building sense of drama", which highlights Timberlake at his "husky best".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2002/nov/01/popandrock.artsfeatures6|title=Justin Timberlake: Justified|work=The Guardian|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|date=November 1, 2002|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001021646/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2002/nov/01/popandrock.artsfeatures6|url-status=live}} The song begins with the phrase "You were my sun, you were my earth", which according to Timbaland was Timberlake's inspiration to write the song. Tanya L. Edwards of MTV News observed that Timberlake was lied to and wronged, and said this is demonstrated by the lyrics: "You don't have to say whatcha did / I already know, I found out from him / Now there's just no chance."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1469961/valentines-day-songs-soul.jhtml|title=Crying A River This Valentine's Day? Join Justin Timberlake|work=MTV News|last=L. Edwards|first=Tanya|date=February 13, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315054304/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1469961/valentines-day-songs-soul.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The chorus contains the lines: "Told me you loved me, why did you leave me all alone / Now you tell me you need me when you call me on the phone."{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625362,00.html|title=Just 'Didn't See' Britney, Says Justin|work=People|last=M. Silverman|first=Stephen|date=December 30, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315071314/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625362,00.html|url-status=dead}} Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani called Timberlake's 2007 single "What Goes Around... Comes Around" an ostensible sequel to "Cry Me a River" both lyrically and musically.{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=957 |title=Justin Timberlake: FutureSex/LoveSounds | Music Review |work=Slant Magazine |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=September 5, 2006 |access-date=May 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627112818/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=957 |archive-date=June 27, 2013 }} Jason Lipshutz of Billboard stated that aside from the presence of Timbaland's "fantastically cluttered production", the difference between "Cry Me a River" and Timberlake's 2013 single "Mirrors" is clear: "10 years ago, Timberlake was broken, and now he is whole".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1551360/justin-timberlake-the-2020-experience-track-by-track-review|title=Justin Timberlake, 'The 20/20 Experience': Track-By-Track Review|magazine=Billboard|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|date=March 12, 2013|access-date=March 13, 2013|archive-date=March 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314084123/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1551360/justin-timberlake-the-2020-experience-track-by-track-review|url-status=live}}

{{Quote box|width=300px|align=right|quote="Cry Me a River, in all its over-sharing glory, has become a classic of its genre; a song that's able to say much more via one acoustic version than any number of media-trained interviews. It should act as the benchmark for any future pop star break-up songs."|source=—The Guardian{{'}}s Michael Cragg in 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/feb/08/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river |title=Justin Timberlake's Cry Me A River, the ultimate break-up record |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=February 8, 2013 |work=The Guardian |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820032231/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/feb/08/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river |url-status=live }}}}

"Cry Me a River" received widespread critical acclaim after release. Jane Stevenson of Jam! and Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine called it a standout track on Justified. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic selected the song as a highlight in his review of Justified.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/justified-r610485/review|date=November 5, 2002|access-date=January 30, 2012|title=Justified Review|work=AllMusic|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|archive-date=October 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004040257/http://allmusic.com/album/justified-r610485/review|url-status=live}} Peter Robinson of NME described it as a "twisted epic" and "an acidic, filthy little song teeming with spite and retribution, with Timbaland's pounding."{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews//6955|title=Justin Timberlake: Cry Me a River|work=NME|last=Robinson|first=Peter|date=February 4, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529063741/http://www.nme.com/reviews//6955|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone{{'}}s Ben Ratliff viewed his production of "Cry Me a River" as exceptional.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/justified-20021104|title=Justified| Album Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Ratliff|first=Ben|date=November 4, 2002|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112111025/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/justified-20021104|url-status=live}} Denise Boyd of BBC Music felt that the song's lyrics play as large a role as Timbaland's production, unlike other songs on Justified. David Browne of Entertainment Weekly concluded that the song is "a genuine stunner" that should leave Timberlake's fellow 'N Syncers concerned that he truly may not need them any more.

John Mitchell of MTV News called "Cry Me a River" and "What Goes Around... Comes Around" "kiss-off songs", with Timberlake's revenge on Spears present throughout the lyrics.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679259/katy-perrys-part-me-joins-all-time-great-kiss-offs.jhtml|title=Katy Perry's 'Part Of Me' Joins All-Time Great Kiss-Offs|work=MTV News|last=Mitchell|first=John|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623040949/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679259/katy-perrys-part-me-joins-all-time-great-kiss-offs.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Idolator staff opined it is the sound of an artist who is "relishing ripping up people's perceptions of him as a sweet-natured teen heartthrob."{{Cite news |url=http://www.idolator.com/7634013/justin-timberlake-nsync-biggest-songs-reviewed-playlist-listen/6 |title=Justin Timberlake's 23 Top 10 Singles (Including *NSYNC!): Revisited, Reviewed & Ranked |date=May 20, 2016 |work=Idolator |access-date=June 21, 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} VH1's Emily Exton wrote, "By stretching the boundaries of pop–and fusing it with notes of R&B, lots of electric goodness, and haunting choral vocals–Timberlake's kiss-off song instantly becomes more poignant, a pointed reaction to the hurt he's experienced by someone he once loved."{{Cite news |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/hq4enr/justin-timberlake-greatest-songs |title=Let The Groove Get In: Justin Timberlake's 20 Greatest Songs |date=October 4, 2013 |work=VH1 |access-date=June 21, 2017 |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044339/http://www.vh1.com/news/51659/justin-timberlake-greatest-songs/ |url-status=live }} According to Complex, the song "made people completely forget about 'N Sync and start asking what Timberlake would do next."{{cite web | url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-25-best-justin-timberlake-songs/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river | title=The 25 Best Justin Timberlake Songs | work=Complex | date=March 15, 2013 | access-date=June 9, 2016 | author=Complex staff | archive-date=May 29, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529234626/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-25-best-justin-timberlake-songs/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river | url-status=live }} The single won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2004 award ceremony.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/09/arts/the-grammy-award-winners-of-2004.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|title=The Grammy Award Winners of 2004|work=The New York Times|date=February 9, 2004|access-date=May 17, 2012|archive-date=January 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128233508/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/09/arts/the-grammy-award-winners-of-2004.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|url-status=live}} It was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.tourdates.co.uk/news/2984-mtv-european-award-nominees-timberlake-white-stripes-lead-the-pack|title=MTV European Award Nominees: Timberlake, White Stripes Lead The Pack|publisher=Tour Dates|date=September 30, 2003|access-date=May 17, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729125549/http://www.tourdates.co.uk/news/2984-mtv-european-award-nominees-timberlake-white-stripes-lead-the-pack|archive-date=July 29, 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/07/mtv.europe.awards.ap/|title=Timberlake tops MTV Europe awards|date=November 7, 2003|publisher=Cable News Network|access-date=February 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206142750/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/07/mtv.europe.awards.ap/|archive-date=December 6, 2007|url-status=dead}} For Pitchfork Media, it was ranked the third-best song of 2003.{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/5924-top-50-singles-of-2003/?page=5 | title=Top 50 Singles of 2003 | work=Pitchfork Media | date=December 29, 2003 | access-date=April 26, 2016 | archive-date=May 10, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510233054/http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/5924-top-50-singles-of-2003/?page=5 | url-status=live }}

Rolling Stone ranked "Cry Me a River" at number 20 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of the 2000s; a columnist for the magazine wrote that the real inspiration behind the song was the formation of the Timberlake–Timbaland team, "a match made in pop heaven".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-the-aughts-20110617/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |title=100 Best Songs of the 2000s: Justin Timberlake, 'Cry Me a River' |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424161913/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-the-aughts-20110617/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |url-status=unfit }} In 2012, the magazine placed it at number 484 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". VH1 ranked "Cry Me a River" at number 59 on their list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s.{{cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Kyle|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/09/29/vh1-100-greatest-songs-of-2000s-list/|title=U2, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Foo Fighters fill out VH1's '100 Greatest Songs of the '00s'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 29, 2011|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=March 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319010254/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/09/29/vh1-100-greatest-songs-of-2000s-list/|url-status=live}} The Daily Telegraph listed the song at number 40 on the "100 songs that defined the Noughties".{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/6198897/100-songs-that-defined-the-Noughties.html|title=100 songs that defined the Noughties – Telegraph|date=September 18, 2009|access-date=September 11, 2010|last=McCormick|first=Neil|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-date=December 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227222137/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/6198897/100-songs-that-defined-the-Noughties.html|url-status=live}} In 2015, Spotify re-ranked Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs in two different lists. "Cry Me a River" ranked at number 14 on "by all Spotify users" and 10 on "streams from millennial users".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/spotify-re-ranks-rolling-stones-500-greatest-songs-list-20150324|title=Spotify Re-Ranks Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs List|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 23, 2015|access-date=March 29, 2015|archive-date=March 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327221452/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/spotify-re-ranks-rolling-stones-500-greatest-songs-list-20150324|url-status=live}} In 2018, Rolling Stone ranked the song 46 on their list "The 100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far".{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-songs-century-so-far-w521935/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-w522014 |title=The 100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far |date=June 28, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022512/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-songs-century-so-far-w521935/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-w522014 |url-status=live }}

"Cry Me a River" debuted at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the issue dated December 21, 2002, earning the Hot Shot Debut honor with 29.6 million audience impressions.{{cite magazine|year=2002|title=Singles Minded|magazine=Billboard|pages=55, 66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YQ0EAAAAMBAJ|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073027/https://books.google.com/books?id=YQ0EAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}} On February 1, 2003, the single reached a peak of number three, becoming Timberlake's first solo single to reach that position. The song debuted on the US Pop Songs chart at number 37 in the issue dated December 14, 2002{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2002-12-21/pop-songs?order=gainer|title=Pop Songs – Biggest Jump|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 17, 2012|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630085354/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2002-12-21/pop-songs?order=gainer|url-status=live}} and reached a peak of three on February 1, 2003.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2003-02-01/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs: Feb 01, 2003|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 17, 2012|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630052740/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2003-02-01/pop-songs|url-status=live}} For the issue dated December 28, 2002, "Cry Me a River" debuted at number 75 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|year=2002|title=Top Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|page=33|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RA0EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+hip+hop%2Fr%26amp%3Bb+december+2002|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073001/https://books.google.com/books?id=RA0EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+hip+hop%2Fr%26amp%3Bb+december+2002|url-status=live}} It reached a peak of 11 on March 8, 2003. It also peaked at number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs, becoming Timberlake's second top-three song, after his debut single "Like I Love You" reached number one. As of August 2003, remixes of the single have sold more than 61,000 units in the United States.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=Up is Down for Remixers|magazine=Billboard|page=55|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KBEEAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=PA65|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073052/https://books.google.com/books?id=KBEEAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=PA65|url-status=live}} As of 2018, the song has sold 1.2 million copies in the country.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097976/justin-timberlake-nsync-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard |title=Ask Billboard: Justin Timberlake & *NSYNC's Career Album & Song Sales |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Billboard-Hollywood Media Group |date=February 4, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |last=Trust |first=Gary |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204204414/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097976/justin-timberlake-nsync-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard |url-status=live }}

The song debuted at number two on the Australian Singles Chart on March 9, 2003. It fell to number six in the following week. "Cry Me a River" became Timberlake's first top-three solo single on the chart. The song remained on the chart for 12 consecutive weeks. It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 35,000 units.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2003.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Singles |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=April 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212185621/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2003.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2012}} The single debuted at number 44 in New Zealand on March 9, 2003. After two weeks on the chart, it reached a peak of 11. It remained on the chart for 11 weeks.

In the United Kingdom, "Cry Me a River", debuted at number two on February 15, 2003. The next week it fell to number three, before returning to its original peak on March 1, 2003; it stayed on the chart for 13 weeks.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Cry%20Me%20A%20River |title=The Official Charts Company – Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 11, 2011 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321070117/http://www.officialcharts.com/Search/Singles/CRY%20ME%20A%20RIVER/ |url-status=live }} The song has sold over 365,000 copies in the country as of 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/flashback-this-week-in-2003-when-tatu-ruled-the-chart__8135/|title=Flashback: This week in 2003 – When t.A.T.u. ruled the chart|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=February 19, 2015|access-date=February 19, 2015|last=Myers|first=Justin|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403024933/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/flashback-this-week-in-2003-when-tatu-ruled-the-chart__8135/|url-status=live}} It debuted at number 14 on the French Singles Chart on April 5, 2003. After three weeks, "Cry Me a River" peaked at number six, and it stayed on the chart for 21 weeks. It was less successful on the Italian Singles Chart, where it peaked at number 14 and stayed on the chart for four weeks. "Cry Me a River" also peaked at number five in Belgium (Wallonia), at number six in the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands, at number seven in Belgium (Flanders), and at number 10 in Germany, Norway, and Sweden.

The music video for "Cry Me a River" was directed by Francis Lawrence, and filmed in Malibu, California on October 22, 2002. Lawrence created the video's concept and told MTV News, "[Justin and I] had a conversation on the phone and all he said was he wanted to have some dancing in it, but to do my thing. He told me what the song was about, but in a [general way] as well. He just said it was a kiss-off song and so I came up with this idea and he went for it."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1476973/river-about-britney-justin-but-not.jhtml|title='Cry Me A River' About Britney And Justin, But Not: VMA Lens Recap|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=August 18, 2003|access-date=September 5, 2011|work=MTV News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031144756/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1476973/river-about-britney-justin-but-not.jhtml|archive-date=October 31, 2013|url-status=dead}} Though the name "Britney" was not allowed in the video or on set, Lawrence alluded to Spears the best he could.{{Cite web|last=Denney|first=Alex|date=2017-11-24|title=An ode to Britney: the making of the Cry Me A River video|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/38186/1/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-video-director-interview|access-date=|website=Dazed|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711030441/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/38186/1/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-video-director-interview|url-status=live}} He explained: "There was just this unspoken agreement between [Justin and I]. Because [Justin and Britney] were on the same label; that's part of the reason I thought the label would never, ever go for it. It was all about implying certain things, there's little elements and details that play throughout [the video] and tie it in." Timberlake enjoyed these details, or clues, which included a reference to Spears's tattoo and her newsboy hat.{{Cite web|date=February 20, 2021|title=How Exactly Did Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's Split Get So Nasty?|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1238890/how-exactly-did-britney-spears-and-justin-timberlakes-split-get-so-nasty|access-date=|website=E! Online|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190707/https://www.eonline.com/news/1238890/how-exactly-did-britney-spears-and-justin-timberlakes-split-get-so-nasty|url-status=live}}

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| quote = "I didn't want to see a sentimental take on the song – I was much more interested in seeing the dark, twisted version, and luckily he went for it. And clearly that scared other people away, but not Justin.

Honestly, I think it was good for him in that moment of transition, because people thought he was a little milquetoast coming out of NSYNC, a little squeaky-clean and so to do something like this shifted people's perceptions of him a little bit."

| source = —Francis Lawrence talks about the creative concept for the video in 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/38186/1/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-video-director-interview |title=An ode to Britney: the making of the Cry Me A River video |last=Denney |first=Alex |date=November 24, 2017 |work=Dazed |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711030441/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/38186/1/cry-me-a-river-justin-timberlake-video-director-interview |url-status=live }}

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Lawrence revealed that executives of Jive Records were also nervous about other aspects of the video, such as Timberlake's representation of a voyeur and the tone of some scenes he was portraying with a girl. "That's the thing I liked most about this project, was that he was coming into it with a super clean-cut image with 'N Sync and he's such a nice guy and so handsome and what I was into doing was making him be a bit scary. Lurking around the house in the rain, throwing a rock through her window, being a peeping Tom, getting revenge and doing stuff that's not really what a nice guy does." The shoot lasted three days, and involved a rain machine that gave the video a "sort of noir" feeling. To create the illusion of Timberlake dancing and floating in the house he breaks into, dancers in green-screen suits lifted, dropped, and carried Timberlake around via handles underneath Timberlake's jacket.

The music video for "Cry Me a River" premiered on MTV's TRL on November 25, 2002, the same day the single was sent to radio stations.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=November 26, 2002|title=Justin Timberlake Introduces New Video On TRL {{!}} popdirt.com|url=http://popdirt.com/justin-timberlake-introduces-new-video-on-trl/10573/|access-date=|website=popdirt.com|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185227/http://popdirt.com/justin-timberlake-introduces-new-video-on-trl/10573/|url-status=live}} Calling in to TRL to premiere the video, Timberlake emphasized to Carson Daly, "The video is not about her. The video is about me." The video was released onto the iTunes Store on April 28, 2003.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/cry-me-a-river-edited-version/207699128|title=Cry Me a River (Edited version)|work=iTunes Store (US)|date=January 2002|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=July 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720212950/http://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/cry-me-a-river-edited-version/id207699128|url-status=live}}

File:JT - Cry Me a River.png

The video begins with a blonde woman, played by model and actress Lauren Hastings (portraying Spears), walking out of her house hand-in-hand with an unidentified man.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459124/justin-britney-at-war.jhtml|title=Justin And Britney At War, Magazine Cover Story Declares|work=MTV News|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|date=December 12, 2002|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=February 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208065123/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459124/justin-britney-at-war.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The couple leaves in the woman's car (a silver Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996)) as Timberlake rolls down the window of a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220),{{cite web|url=http://www.imcdb.org/movie_6719042-Justin-Timberlake--Cry-Me-a-River.html|title=IMCDb.org: "Justin Timberlake: Cry Me a River, 2002": cars, bikes, trucks and other vehicles|access-date=February 21, 2021|work=IMCDb.org|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073005/http://www.imcdb.org/movie_6719042-Justin-Timberlake--Cry-Me-a-River.html|url-status=live}} from which he and his friend have been watching the woman. Timberlake breaks into the house by throwing a rock through a window and proceeds through the woman's house, with anti-gravity jumps and slides, not causing any other visible damage, except for kicking a picture frame of the woman across the living room.{{cite web|url=http://ksfm.radio.com/2011/08/22/remember-that-track-of-the-day-justin-timberlake-2/|title='Remember That?' Track of the Day: Justin Timberlake|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2011|publisher=KSFM 102.5. CBS Radio|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315083549/http://ksfm.cbslocal.com/2011/08/22/remember-that-track-of-the-day-justin-timberlake-2/|archive-date=March 15, 2014}} Then he searches some drawers and finds a video camera, while the driver of the car, Timbaland, signals for his female accomplice in the back of the car, played by model Kiana Bessa, to go in. She enters the house and goes with Timberlake to a bedroom, where she starts to undress and kiss Timberlake, who has a smug expression while being filmed. They stay in the bedroom for a moment; then the accomplice exits the house but a still-cocky Timberlake stays. As the blonde woman returns, he follows her around the house and hides in a closet as she showers. He gets closer to her and touches the glass surrounding the shower. The blonde woman senses someone in the room and turns around, but Timberlake is gone. She leaves the bathroom and goes into her bedroom, where the video he made with his new lover plays on the television.

After the video's TRL premiere, Carson Daly noted that Justin's character in the video has "an American Psycho feel" to it, to which Justin replied, "Hey man, I'm crazy." Peter Robinson of NME wrote that the video shows "what Justin looks like after he's had sex. Clue: he looks pretty good."{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/artistKeyname/6955|title=Justin Timberlake : Cry Me A River|date=February 4, 2003|access-date=September 5, 2011|work=NME|last=Robinson|first=Peter|archive-date=October 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022185537/http://www.nme.com/reviews/artistKeyname/6955|url-status=live}} According to Virginia Heffernan of The New York Times, Timberlake channels the character Neo from The Matrix film series, "pacing anxiously around wet and metallic interiors".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html?_r=1|title=Justin Timberlake – Column|work=The New York Times|last=Heffernan|first=Virginia|date=December 23, 2006|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806030258/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html?_r=1|url-status=live}} At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, the video for "Cry Me a River" won in the categories of Best Male Video and Best Pop Video.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=Top VMA Award Winners|magazine=Billboard|page=68|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Cry+Me+a+River%22+Justin+Timberlake&pg=PA68|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=115|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073013/https://books.google.com/books?id=bg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Cry+Me+a+River%22+Justin+Timberlake&pg=PA68|url-status=live}} It had also been nominated for Video of the Year, Best Direction in a Video and Viewer's Choice.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=Missy Elliott Tops VMA Noms List|magazine=Billboard|page=6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MhEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Cry+Me+a+River%22+Justin+Timberlake&pg=PA6|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=115|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073013/https://books.google.com/books?id=MhEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Cry+Me+a+River%22+Justin+Timberlake&pg=PA6|url-status=live}} In a 2006 issue proclaiming Timberlake the International Man of the Year, British GQ declared, "One minute Timberlake was a forgotten relic of teeny pop, the next he's making the video for 'Cry Me A River' in which he's stalking his ex and creeping up behind her to sniff her hair. And within the space of a year no one could give two hoots about his New Mickey Mouse Club beginnings. Timberlake suddenly became Trousersnake and he'd done the impossible—he'd become cool."{{Cite news|last=Heaf|first=Jonathan|date=September 3, 2012|title=2006: Justin Timberlake|language=en-GB|work=British GQ|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/justin-timberlake-interview-2006|access-date=|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190420/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/justin-timberlake-interview-2006|url-status=live}}

Following the release of the music video, Us Weekly ran a cover story titled Britney Vs. Justin: The War Is On. Timberlake continued to deny that Spears inspired the video. However, Spears told Rolling Stone in October 2003 that she received a call from Timberlake saying there would be a look-alike of her in his music video. She states that he reassured her by saying, "Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal". Spears, who had not seen the video, says she allowed him to do so but became infuriated after watching it. She recalled that when she asked why he had made a video about her, he replied, "Well, I got a controversial video." She stated that it was a great publicity stunt, commenting, "So he got what he wanted. I think it looks like such a desperate attempt, personally."{{cite magazine|magazine=Rolling Stone|title=Britney Spears: 'Sometimes It's Hard To Be A Woman'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/britney-spears-finds-it-hard-to-be-a-woman-rolling-stones-2003-cover-story-20110329|date=October 2, 2003|issn=0035-791X|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829210004/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/britney-spears-finds-it-hard-to-be-a-woman-rolling-stones-2003-cover-story-20110329|url-status=live}} After the release of Spears' video for "Toxic" (2003), Jennifer Vineyard of MTV News said her video "[made] "Cry Me a River" look like child's play".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483976/britney-oneups-justin-toxic-clip.jhtml|title=Britney's 'Toxic' Clip Makes 'Cry Me A River' Look Like Child's Play|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=December 30, 2003|access-date=September 5, 2011|work=MTV News|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021234556/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483976/britney-one-ups-justin-toxic-clip.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

In 2013, Billboard editor Jason Lipshutz opined the clip was "one of the more brilliant musical moments in pop music since the dawn of the century. The visual is JT's most controversial music video to date." He added, "The "Cry Me a River" video served a dual purpose for Timberlake: to court controversy, and to make its star seem more grown-up."{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5719195/why-wrecking-ball-is-miley-cyrus-cry-me-a-river-opinion | title=Why 'Wrecking Ball' Is Miley Cyrus' 'Cry Me A River' (Opinion) | magazine=Billboard | date=September 19, 2013 | access-date=April 22, 2016 | author=Lipshutz, Jason | archive-date=January 17, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117142911/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5719195/why-wrecking-ball-is-miley-cyrus-cry-me-a-river-opinion | url-status=live }} In 2018, Billboard critics named it the 24th "greatest music video of the 21st century."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8466543/100-greatest-music-videos-of-the-21st-century |title=The 100 Greatest Music Videos of the 21st Century: Critics' Picks |date=July 24, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725042937/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8466543/100-greatest-music-videos-of-the-21st-century |url-status=live }}

Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" for the first time on an episode of TRL, the same day as the release of Justified.{{Cite book|last=Smith|first=Sean|title=Justin: The Unauthorized Biography|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2005|isbn=1-4165-1604-2|location=Great Britain|pages=179}} He again performed the song at the 13th annual Billboard Music Awards, held on December 9, 2002, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He was accompanied by a string section and a 20-member choir.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=The 2002 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|page=73|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=RA1-PA70|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073003/https://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=RA1-PA70|url-status=live}} He also performed the song on the Justified World Tour (2003–04), his first worldwide tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/justin-timberlake/15661|title=Justin Timberlake returns to the United Kingdom|date=December 3, 2003|access-date=December 23, 2008|work=NME|archive-date=May 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504194241/http://www.nme.com/news/justin-timberlake/15661|url-status=live}} The song was eighth on the set list of the Justified & Stripped Tour (2003), his joint North American tour with Christina Aguilera. Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" on a promotional concert held at House of Blues in West Hollywood, California on June 17, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472801/timberlake-gets-funky-at-club-show.jhtml|title=It's Justin Timberlake Gone Wild At Late-Night Club Show|date=June 13, 2003|access-date=January 30, 2012|work=MTV News|last=Moss|first=Corey|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921075317/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472801/timberlake-gets-funky-at-club-show.jhtml|url-status=dead}} He performed a rock-inspired version of the song on Saturday Night Live on October 11, 2003;{{cite web|url=http://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?2003101116|title=SNL Archives {{!}} Episodes {{!}} November 10, 2003 #16|work=SNL Archives|last=Navaroli|first=Joel|access-date=May 20, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023815/http://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?2003101116|url-status=live}} and it was fourteenth on the set list of his second worldwide tour, FutureSex/LoveShow (2007).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/timberlake_justin/albums.jhtml?albumId=2196510|title=FutureSex/LoveShow: Live from Madison Square Garden|date=December 18, 2007|access-date=January 30, 2012|work=MTV News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118024023/http://www.mtv.com/artists/justin-timberlake/discography/2196510/|archive-date=January 18, 2014}} During his world tour in Zürich, Switzerland, in August 2007, Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" and segued into the chorus of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse.{{Cite web|last=McGivney|first=Jane|date=June 7, 2007|title=Justin Timberlake: Just One More Britney Profiteer?|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/justin-timberlake-just-on_b_51208|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710021459/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/justin-timberlake-just-on_b_51208|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=Justin Timberlake Singing Rehab (for Britney?)|date=June 5, 2007|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVflqSIdWY|language=en|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710021459/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVflqSIdWY|url-status=live}} – via YouTube

On October 23, 2010, while performing at the annual charity gig "Justin Timberlake and Friends" in Las Vegas, Timberlake began the show with a slow and "sultry" performance of "Cry Me a River" and segued into a cover of Bill Withers' 1971 single "Ain't No Sunshine". He later resumed "Cry Me a River" before segueing into a cover of Drake's 2010 song "Over". Jillian Mapes of Billboard described the performance as "completely lovely in an effortless sort of way."{{cite magazine|last=Mapes|first=Jillian|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/952616/justin-timberlake-mixes-cry-me-a-river-with-drakes-over|title=Justin Timberlake Mixes 'Cry Me a River' with Drake's 'Over'|date=October 26, 2010|access-date=January 30, 2012|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630052753/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/952616/justin-timberlake-mixes-cry-me-a-river-with-drakes-over|url-status=live}} Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" at concert he held during the 2013 Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1537613/justin-timberlake-suits-up-in-live-return-bringing-new-songs-and-jay-z-to-nola|title=Justin Timberlake Suits Up in Live Return, Bringing New Songs (and Jay-Z) to Nola|magazine=Billboard|last=Carter|first=Kelley L|date=February 2, 2013|access-date=February 3, 2013|archive-date=February 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206082447/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1537613/justin-timberlake-suits-up-in-live-return-bringing-new-songs-and-jay-z-to-nola|url-status=live}} Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" in a medley with other of his songs at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. After the performance he accepted a Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the ceremony.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a509697/justin-timberlake-in-nsync-reunion-at-mtv-vmas-2013.html#~oUplbYptEY9lNB|title=Justin Timberlake in *NSYNC reunion at MTV VMAs 2013|work=Digital Spy|last=Harp|first=Justin|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=November 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102025038/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a509697/justin-timberlake-in-nsync-reunion-at-mtv-vmas-2013.html#~oUplbYptEY9lNB|url-status=live}} Timberlake included the single on the set list of his Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour with rapper Jay-Z (2013), his fifth worldwide concert tour, the 20/20 Experience World Tour (2013–15),{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/concert-review-justin-timberlake-at-672976|title=Justin Timberlake Touts Suits, Ties and Tequila at Newly Renovated Forum: Concert Review|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Zemler|first=Emily|date=January 21, 2014|access-date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122033441/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/concert-review-justin-timberlake-at-672976|url-status=live}} his sixth worldwide concert tour, the Man of the Woods Tour (2018-19) and his seventh worldwide concert tour, the Forget Tomorrow World Tour (2024-25).{{cite web |last1=Rossignol |first1=Derrick |title=Here Is Justin Timberlake's 'The Forget Tomorrow World Tour' Set list |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/justin-timberlake-forget-tomorrow-world-tour-setlist/ |website=Uproxx |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430151840/https://uproxx.com/pop/justin-timberlake-forget-tomorrow-world-tour-setlist/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |location=United States |date=April 30, 2024 |url-status=live}}

The song was first covered by Welsh alternative metal band Lostprophets, recorded in a BBC Radio One session. It appears as a B-side of the single "Last Train Home", released in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/2936/lostprophets-start-something|title=Lostprophets – Start Something review|work=Punknews.org|date=May 18, 2004|access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219013427/http://www.punknews.org/review/2936/lostprophets-start-something|url-status=live}} American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performed a cover of "Cry Me a River" in Memphis, Tennessee, during the Speak Now World Tour (2011–12).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/465372/taylor-swift-covers-justin-timberlakes-cry-me-a-river-watch|title=Taylor Swift Covers Justin Timberlake's 'Cry Me a River': Watch|last=Greenwald|first=David|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=January 30, 2012|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529075130/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/465372/taylor-swift-covers-justin-timberlakes-cry-me-a-river-watch|url-status=live}} Justin Bieber recorded a cover of the song together with Kanye West's 2007 single "Stronger", which he posted on his YouTube account.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267574/video-qa-justin-bieber-dreams-on|title=Video Q&A: Justin Bieber Dreams On|last=Herrera|first=Monica|date=August 27, 2009|access-date=January 30, 2012|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630094049/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267574/video-qa-justin-bieber-dreams-on|url-status=live}} Canadian rock band The Cliks also covered the song for their 2007 album Snakehouse.{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/C/Cliks/2007/04/05/3924516.html|title=The Cliks cover Timberlake hit|publisher=Jam!|last=Schmeichel|first=David|access-date=May 22, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712065421/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/C/Cliks/2007/04/05/3924516.html|archive-date=July 12, 2012}} British singer Leona Lewis covered "Cry Me a River" during her debut concert tour The Labyrinth (2010). The Sheffield Star described the version as a "beautifully, sitting quietly, almost a capella".{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/review-world-class-leona-lewis-at-sheffield-arena-1-855550|title=Review: World class Leona Lewis at Sheffield Arena – News|work=Sheffield Star|date=May 29, 2010|access-date=May 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918120954/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/review-world-class-leona-lewis-at-sheffield-arena-1-855550|archive-date=September 18, 2012|url-status=dead}} In 2011 New Zealand band Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra released a cover version on their "I Love You..." EP.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/i-love-you/1197640468|title=I Love You... by The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra on Apple Music|work=Apple Music|access-date=March 14, 2022|archive-date=March 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314093650/https://music.apple.com/nz/album/i-love-you/1197640468|url-status=dead}}

American indie pop duo Jack and White covered the song on their 2012 extended play Undercover.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/undercover-ep/526217112|title=Undercover – EP by Jack and White|work=iTunes Store (US)|date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607183558/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/undercover-ep/id526217112|url-status=live}} Recording artist Kelly Clarkson covered the song on September 1, 2012, as a fan request during her 2012 Summer Tour with The Fray.{{cite web|url=http://www.timberlake-justin.com/kelly-clarkson-covers-cry-me-a-river/|title=Kelly Clarkson covers Cry me a river|publisher=timberlake-justin.com|access-date=September 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011024309/http://www.timberlake-justin.com/kelly-clarkson-covers-cry-me-a-river/|archive-date=October 11, 2012}} In January 2013, American singer Selena Gomez performed an acoustic version of "Cry Me a River" at the UNICEF charity concert in New York City.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1521630/selena-gomez-covers-cry-me-a-river-better-than-biebers|title=Selena Gomez Covers 'Cry Me a River': Better Than Bieber's?|magazine=Billboard|last=Greenwald|first=David|date=January 21, 2013|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131012029/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1521630/selena-gomez-covers-cry-me-a-river-better-than-biebers|url-status=live}} In February 2015, Scottish synthpop band Chvrches performed a cover of "Cry Me a River" on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8QIxNAdw6U|title=Chvrches cover Justin Timberlake's Cry Me A River in the Live Lounge|website=YouTube |date=February 19, 2015|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073002/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8QIxNAdw6U|url-status=live}} The New Jersey alternative metal band 40 Below Summer performed a cover of the song in their 2015 album Transmission Infrared.

American Post-Hardcore vocalist Johnny Craig is also well known for his 2009 cover of the song, prior to his first solo album release.

In May 2020, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden released a campaign ad which took aim at Donald Trump for complaining in a 2020 interview about being "treated worse" by the media than any other president instead of focusing on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ad was soundtracked by "Cry Me a River".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9371455/joe-biden-campaign-justin-timberlake-song|title=Joe Biden's New Campaign Uses a Classic Justin Timberlake Song|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507140523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9371455/joe-biden-campaign-justin-timberlake-song|url-status=live}}

{{Quote box|width=300px|align=right|quote="[The song] is the universal symbol of the bad celebrity break-up – more powerful than a stack of Angelina vs. Aniston tabloid covers, more effective than an official statement mailed to People magazine."|source=—Ottawa Citizen{{'}}s Leah Collins following Selena Gomez's cover in 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Selena+Gomez+turning+Bieber+break+into+music+starts+covering+River/7849712/story.html |title=Selena Gomez turning Bieber break-up into new music; starts by covering Cry Me a River |last=Collins |first=Leah |date=January 21, 2013 |work=Ottawa Citizen |access-date=June 24, 2017 |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909005127/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Selena+Gomez+turning+Bieber+break+into+music+starts+covering+River/7849712/story.html |url-status=live }}}}

"Cry Me a River" marked the first collaboration between Timberlake and Timbaland, and its critical and commercial success started "one of the most forward-thinking star-producer duos in pop music", as described by Variety{{'}}s author Andrew Barker.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/music/features/justin-timberlake-trolls-cant-stop-the-feeling-woody-allen-pharrell-1201898888/ |title=Justin Timberlake Talks 'Trolls,' Family Life and His New Album with Pharrell Williams |work=Variety |date=November 1, 2016 |access-date=November 1, 2016 |author=Berker, Andrew |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102015331/http://variety.com/2016/music/features/justin-timberlake-trolls-cant-stop-the-feeling-woody-allen-pharrell-1201898888/ |archive-date=November 2, 2016}} Alternative rock band Coldplay revealed that the single was an inspiration for the drumbeat of their song "Lost!".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/timberlake-inspires-coldplay-album_1070433 |title=Timberlake Inspires Coldplay Album |date=June 4, 2008 |magazine=Contactmusic.com |access-date=January 13, 2013 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606065102/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/timberlake-inspires-coldplay-album_1070433 |url-status=live }} Rock singer Marilyn Manson cited it as one of the main songs that influenced him.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/marilyn-manson-the-music-that-made-me-20150508|title=Marilyn Manson: The Music That Made Me|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=May 15, 2015|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507005347/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/marilyn-manson-the-music-that-made-me-20150508|url-status=live}} In order to use the song in the 2017 film Lady Bird set in 2003, director Greta Gerwig sent a letter to Timberlake, "Your album Justified was so bad, and it ruined that year."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/11/greta-gerwig-justin-timberlake-letter-cry-me-a-river-lady-bird |title=Greta Gerwig Sent Justin Timberlake an Impassioned Letter to Use "Cry Me a River" in Lady Bird |last=Duboff |first=Josh |date=November 21, 2017 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225015917/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/11/greta-gerwig-justin-timberlake-letter-cry-me-a-river-lady-bird |url-status=live }}

Rosalía samples the chorus from "Cry Me a River" for her song "Bagdad" on her album El mal querer (2018), featuring a Barcelona children's choir. Billboard deemed the track "a transcultural re-interpretation" of "Cry Me a River".{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8482902/rosalia-el-mal-querer-5-surprises-from-album |title=Rosalía's 'El Mal Querer': 5 Surprises From This Month's Most Anticipated Album |last=Cantor-Navas |first=Judy |date=November 2, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108152315/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8482902/rosalia-el-mal-querer-5-surprises-from-album |url-status=live }} Halsey's song "Without Me" contains an interpolation of the pre-chorus of "Cry Me a River".{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8478305/halsey-without-me |title=Halsey Nods to Justin Timberlake On Kiss-Off 'Without Me': Listen |last=Bote |first=Joshua |date=October 4, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015031707/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8478305/halsey-without-me |url-status=live }}

"Cry Me a River" was also the title of a 1953 song written by Arthur Hamilton and made famous by Julie London in 1955. According to The Wall Street Journal, Hamilton was the originator of the phrase "cry me a river" borrowed in Timberlake's song.{{Cite news |last=Berlau |first=John |date=2010-12-14 |title=Crying a River for Years |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704170404575624613968134050 |url-access=registration |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0099-9660}}

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• 12-inch single

1. "Cry Me a River" (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) – 8:11
2. "Cry Me a River" (Bill Hamel Justinough vocal remix) – 7:43
3. "Cry Me a River" (Johny Fiasco mix) – 7:56

• Germany maxi single

1. "Cry Me a River" – 4:48
2. "Cry Me a River" (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) – 8:11
3. "Cry Me a River" (Bill Hamel Justinough vocal remix) – 7:43
4. "Like I Love You" (Basement Jaxx vocal mix) – 6:04

• UK maxi single

1. "Cry Me a River" – 4:48
2. "Cry Me a River" (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) – 8:11
3. "Cry Me a River" (Bill Hamel vocal remix) – 7:43

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• Canada maxi single

1. "Cry Me a River" (Johny Fiasco mix) – 7:56
2. "Like I Love You" (Basement Jaxx vocal mix) – 6:04
3. "Like I Love You" (Deep Dish Zigzag remix) – 9:40

• US maxi single{{cite AV media notes|title=Cry Me a River|others=Justin Timberlake|date=2003|type=US CD Single liner notes|publisher=Jive Records|id=01241-40073-2R }}

1. "Cry Me a River" – 4:48
2. "Cry Me a River" (instrumental version) – 4:48
3. "Cry Me a River" (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) – 8:11
4. "Cry Me A River" (Junior's Vasquez Earth club mix) – 6:43
5. "Like I Love You" (Basement Jaxx vocal mix) – 6:04
6. "Like I Love You" (Deep Dish Zigzag remix) – 9:40

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Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Justified.{{cite AV media notes|others=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|year=2002|type= inlay cover|publisher= Jive Records}}

Recording and mixing

• Recorded at Westlake Recording Studios (Los Angeles, California)
• Strings recorded at The Studio (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Mixed at Manhattan Center Studios (New York City)

Personnel

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• Songwriting – Justin Timberlake, Timothy Mosley, Scott Storch
• Production – Timbaland
• Recording – Senator Jimmy D
• Assistant engineer – Carlos "Storm" Martinez
• Mixing – Jimmy Douglass, Timbaland
• Mixing assistant – "Steamy"
• String arrangement and conducting – Larry Gold
• Background vocals – Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Marsha Ambrosius, Tyrone Tribbett, Greater Anointing
• Clavinet – Scott Storch
• Guitar – Bill Pettaway
• Vocal arrangement – Justin Timberlake

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Cry Me a River"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Australia|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2017|relyear=2002|access-date=December 4, 2017}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=2023|relyear=2002|access-date=December 13, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|award=Platinum|certyear=2021|type=single|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|relyear=2002|id=10519|access-date=September 15, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|title=Cry Me a River|type=single|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Silver|certyear=2003|relyear=2002|source=archive|access-date=April 28, 2016}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|title=Cry Me a River|type=single|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Gold|certyear=2017|relyear=2002|access-date=September 16, 2017}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Cry Me a River|type=single|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Gold|certyear=2018|relyear=2002|id=6038|access-date=November 28, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2002|certyear=2023|source=radioscope|access-date=January 18, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2002|certyear=2024|access-date=August 7, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=13181-46-1|access-date=November 3, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States (RIAA)|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Cry Me a River|nocert=yes|salesamount=1,200,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Justin Timberlake songs}}

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{{Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance}}

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